An Appraisal of Morphological Variation in Nigerian Digital Discourse: A Comparative Analysis of Instagram Memes
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Background of the study
Morphological variation, the process by which new word forms are created or existing ones modified, is a key indicator of linguistic innovation in digital discourse. In Nigerian social media, Instagram memes have emerged as a fertile ground for morphological creativity. These memes often blend images with text, leading users to invent neologisms, abbreviations, and portmanteaus that challenge traditional word formation processes (Ibrahim, 2024). The playful and often subversive nature of meme culture fosters a dynamic environment where linguistic norms are reinterpreted and new lexical items rapidly enter the digital lexicon. This study compares the morphological innovations observed in Instagram memes with conventional word formation in Nigerian language. By analyzing a corpus of meme captions and comments, the research seeks to uncover patterns of morphological change and identify the cultural and technological factors that drive these innovations (Adeola, 2023; Obi, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Although Instagram memes have become a prominent site of morphological innovation in Nigerian digital discourse, there is limited systematic research on the specific word formation processes involved. Existing studies tend to focus on the humorous or cultural aspects of memes without analyzing their linguistic structures. This gap limits our understanding of how digital platforms drive morphological variation and poses challenges for developing comprehensive models of digital language change (Chinwe, 2023).
Objectives of the study
• To document morphological innovations in Nigerian Instagram memes.
• To analyze the processes underlying new word formation.
• To compare digital morphology with traditional lexical innovation.
Research questions
• What morphological variations are present in Instagram memes?
• How are new lexical items formed in digital contexts?
• How do these innovations compare to traditional word formation?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it appraises morphological variation in Nigerian digital discourse through Instagram memes, contributing to theories of digital lexical innovation. The findings will inform language education and policy by elucidating new word formation mechanisms (Ibrahim, 2024; Obi, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to Instagram meme content from Nigerian users; it excludes other digital media and offline language practices.
Definitions of terms
• Morphological Variation: Changes in word formation processes.
• Neologism: A newly coined word or expression.
• Digital Lexicon: The vocabulary emerging from online communication.
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